Hotline

LOS ANGELES—Initiative Media North America has withdrawn from General Mills' $400 million-plus national broadcast buying review, according to sources. The Interpublic Group of Cos. media arm was said to be concerned that it was spreading itself too thin. The other contenders are OMD, Chicago and Zenith Media and Universal McCann, both New York.

Goodyear Mulls Agency Decision

DETROIT—Goodyear Tire & Rubber expects to name a new agency for its $60 million account this month, a company representative said. The four finalists are McCann-Erickson and BBDO, both New York; GSD&M in Austin, Texas, and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco. Fifteen-year incumbent J. Walter Thompson in Detroit is not defending the account. The Akron, Ohio-based company also named Cathryn Fischer to the new post of vice president and chief marketing officer.

CM's First BK Work Keys on Green Food

CHICAGO—Campbell Mithun's first kid-oriented work for Burger King broke over the weekend with a TV spot touting the chain's "Choose the Ooze" food promotion. The four-week promotion touts green food such as Heinz green ketchup and Minute Maid green cherry treats. The Minneapolis agency won the Miami company's estimated $80 million kids advertising account in January.

Brokaw Changes Its Name, Mission

CHICAGO—Bill Brokaw Advertising in Cleveland is now Brokaw Inc. The change is intended to reflect a broader array of services.

Dell Decision Expected Soon

NEW YORK—Four shops await a decision in Dell Computer's $150 million review, following agency presentations last week, sources said. Dell may consolidate its creative and media duties at a single shop or name separate partners, according to sources. Temerlin McClain, Irving, Texas, and Carat USA, New York, pitched last Tuesday, and DDB Chicago, and Lowe Lintas & Partners, New York, went on Wednesday, sources said. (Carat is pursuing media duties only). The shops and a client representative declined comment.

FCB Settles With Mazda

CHICAGO—True North Communications unit FCB reached an out of court settlement with Mazda over automobile lease advertising that ran afoul of the Federal Trade Commission. Mazda in 1999 paid $5.25 million as part of a consent decree with the FTC and 24 states. The automaker subsequently sought $9 million from FCB, which was its agency at the time the ads ran in 1996 and 1997. FCB denied liability and filed a counterclaim for $5.5 million for unpaid commissions during the final months of its relationship with the client. The settlement's terms were not revealed.

For the Record

A hotline in the March 26 issue of Adweek incorrectly stated FCB's current relationship with the U.S. Postal Service. The New York shop continues to handle direct marketing and interactive advertising for the client.

LOS ANGELES—Initiative Media North America has withdrawn from General Mills' $400 million-plus national broadcast buying review, according to sources. The Interpublic Group of Cos. media arm was said to be concerned that it was spreading itself too thin. The other contenders are OMD, Chicago and Zenith Media and Universal McCann, both New York.

Goodyear Mulls Agency Decision

DETROIT—Goodyear Tire & Rubber expects to name a new agency for its $60 million account this month, a company representative said. The four finalists are McCann-Erickson and BBDO, both New York; GSD&M in Austin, Texas, and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco. Fifteen-year incumbent J. Walter Thompson in Detroit is not defending the account. The Akron, Ohio-based company also named Cathryn Fischer to the new post of vice president and chief marketing officer.

CM's First BK Work Keys on Green Food

CHICAGO—Campbell Mithun's first kid-oriented work for Burger King broke over the weekend with a TV spot touting the chain's "Choose the Ooze" food promotion. The four-week promotion touts green food such as Heinz green ketchup and Minute Maid green cherry treats. The Minneapolis agency won the Miami company's estimated $80 million kids advertising account in January.

Brokaw Changes Its Name, Mission

CHICAGO—Bill Brokaw Advertising in Cleveland is now Brokaw Inc. The change is intended to reflect a broader array of services.

Dell Decision Expected Soon

NEW YORK—Four shops await a decision in Dell Computer's $150 million review, following agency presentations last week, sources said. Dell may consolidate its creative and media duties at a single shop or name separate partners, according to sources. Temerlin McClain, Irving, Texas, and Carat USA, New York, pitched last Tuesday, and DDB Chicago, and Lowe Lintas & Partners, New York, went on Wednesday, sources said. (Carat is pursuing media duties only). The shops and a client representative declined comment.

FCB Settles With Mazda

CHICAGO—True North Communications unit FCB reached an out of court settlement with Mazda over automobile lease advertising that ran afoul of the Federal Trade Commission. Mazda in 1999 paid $5.25 million as part of a consent decree with the FTC and 24 states. The automaker subsequently sought $9 million from FCB, which was its agency at the time the ads ran in 1996 and 1997. FCB denied liability and filed a counterclaim for $5.5 million for unpaid commissions during the final months of its relationship with the client. The settlement's terms were not revealed.

For the Record

A hotline in the March 26 issue of Adweek incorrectly stated FCB's current relationship with the U.S. Postal Service. The New York shop continues to handle direct marketing and interactive advertising for the client.